The Grimm Huntress

Tipping Point

"I don't understand why I have to attend this stupid charity event." A boy with amethyst eyes complained, pulling at his tie. "It's quite obvious that Jacques is only doing this for publicity."

"We were all invited, Esteban, so we're all going." A taller man this time with onyx eyes replied.

The two stood side by side in front of a grand staircase. The man stood at around 6'2 while the boy stood at a smaller height of around 5'5 both wearing formal clothes consisting of blazers and dress pants.

"Your father is still holding onto his childish grudge against Jacques and he wants us all to go so he can be petty and ignore Jacques at his own event." A small brunette told the boy as she smoothed out the nonexistent wrinkles in her dark blue dress.

"It's not childish." Zeus denied. "I simply don't want to let Jacques the jerk win this argument."

"Father this changed from an argument to a grudge once a year had passed." Esteban deadpanned.

"It has not been that long."

"It's been 10 years!"

"Regardless! Where is your brother?" Zeus adjusted his watch. "Apollo, we need to be there soon! We can't miss Weiss' performance-! Where is that boy?"

Esteban turned to the other brunette. "You're telling me that this is the man you chose to have a family with?"

"I'd be lying if I said I had no regrets in life."

"Apollo!"

A boy who looked almost identical to the man, the hair texture and height being the few differences, slid down the railing of the staircase.

"Sorry!" He apologized, quickly slipping his shoes on. "I misplaced my jewelry."

"It's fine hijo, your father's just being dramatic again." Arabela smiled.

"Wait where are my earrings?!"

"You left them in Whitley's room again, remember?" Esteban reminded the small boy. He tugged at his tie again.

"Oh."

"Let's go! Time to annoy Jacques~" the man sang practically beaming as the family left their manor.

•••

The broken moon shone brightly to the sound of  singing.

Weiss stood alone on a large, empty stage, singing a wordless aria, her arms outstretched. She was perfectly positioned below the center of the painted emblem of  that dominated the stage.

The song then changed to emphatic lyrics.

"I'm not your pet, not another thing you own. I was not born guilty of your crimes. Your riches and your influence can't hold me anymore. I won't be possessed, burdened by your royal test. I will not surrender. This life is mine."

Weiss concluded her song and bowed while the audience applauded. She looked up to the balcony above the stage left where her father and brother were watching. Jacques remained seated, not applauding, while Whitley was standing giving a slower paced, sarcastic clap. Weiss looked back at the audience, all clapping still in their seats. She turned and walked backstage, her feigned smile replaced with a frown.

•••

A waiter carrying martini glasses on a tray opened up a door and entered the ballroom where people millled about to soft piano notes. He held the tray next to a young man, who took a glass before walking off. A blonde woman in a dark green halter dress stopped to look at the waiter before moving on.